February 2025, article by Dr. Marta Grimaldi, dermatologist at Aventino Medical Group.
With the arrival of cold weather, the skin undergoes numerous stresses that can compromise its health. Wind, low temperatures, and sudden temperature changes can damage the skin barrier, causing dryness, redness, and chapping. But how can we take care of our skin during winter? In this article, we will explore how cold affects the skin, the most common symptoms, prevention tips, and the best remedies to keep it healthy.
Why does cold weather damage the skin?
The skin is protected by a thin layer called the hydrolipidic film, composed of water and lipids. This layer helps maintain hydration and protects the skin from external agents. In cold weather, this natural barrier weakens, leading to several issues:
Lipid deficiency
Barrier lipids play a fundamental role in reducing water loss. Sebaceous glands slow down their activity, leaving the skin more exposed to dryness and irritation.
Loss of hydration
Hygroscopic molecules retain water. Cold air and dry environments reduce the skin’s natural moisture, making it more vulnerable to flaking and cracking.
Vasoconstriction
Cold weather narrows superficial blood vessels, limiting the supply of oxygen and nutrients, resulting in redness and loss of elasticity.
Symptoms of cold-damaged skin
The signs that indicate your skin is suffering are clear and often uncomfortable. Here are the most common symptoms:
- Dryness and flaking: The skin appears dull and cracked, particularly on the hands, face, and lips.
- Redness and irritation: The skin becomes more sensitive, with visible redness, especially on the cheeks and nose.
- Tightness: This is particularly noticeable after washing with cold or excessively hot water.
- Cracks: Chapped skin can develop into painful micro-lesions, especially on the hands.
- Itching: Often linked to extreme dryness.
If these symptoms are not treated properly, they can lead to inflammation and more serious consequences.
Who is most at risk?
Some people are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of cold weather on the skin. These include:
- People with naturally dry skin: This skin type produces less sebum than normal skin and lacks the necessary lipids to retain water.
- Individuals with dermatological conditions: Conditions like atopic dermatitis, eczema, or psoriasis may worsen during winter.
- Outdoor workers: Constant exposure to UV rays, wind, cold, and temperature changes increases the risk of skin damage.
- Elderly individuals: The hydrolipidic film weakens with age, making thinner and more delicate skin less resistant to external agents.
Why does skin suffer more in winter?
Besides the cold, other factors contribute to skin deterioration during winter:
- Sudden temperature changes: Moving from cold outdoor environments to heated indoor spaces causes skin dehydration.
- Indoor heating: Reduces air humidity, aggravating skin dryness.
- Improper habits: Washing with very hot water and using harsh cleansing products can worsen symptoms.
How to prevent skin damage from cold weather
Protecting your skin in winter is essential to avoid discomfort and complications. Here are the best tips to take care of it:
Use emollient and nourishing creams
Choose products with urea, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or shea butter, and apply them at least twice a day.
Protect your hands and face
Wear gloves and use a scarf to shield your skin from external aggressions.
Hydrate from the inside
Drink plenty of water and consume foods rich in antioxidants to keep your skin elastic and healthy.
Use gentle cleansers and avoid prolonged hot showers
Avoid harsh soaps that strip away the skin’s natural lipids.
Install a humidifier at gome
Increasing indoor humidity helps counteract the drying effects of heating systems.
Don’t forget sunscreen
Even in winter, UV rays can damage the skin, especially in the mountains or on sunny days.
Remedies for dry skin in winter
If your skin is already damaged, follow these remedies to promote healing:
Apply intensive moisturizing treatments
Use creams rich in urea and ceramides to deeply nourish the skin.
Choose repairing creams
Products containing thermal water and panthenol help regenerate the skin barrier.
Use soothing compresses
Applying warm compresses relieves irritation and redness.
Consult a dermatologist
Seek professional advice for persistent or cold-aggravated skin conditions.
Skin health and its connection with other medical specialties
The condition of the skin often reflects overall health. Here are some medical specialties that collaborate with dermatologists:
- Allergology: Allergic dermatitis and atopic eczema can be managed by identifying and controlling triggering allergens.
- Rheumatology: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus or scleroderma require joint management to address skin symptoms.
- Endocrinology: Conditions like hypothyroidism or diabetes affect the skin, causing dryness or slow healing.
- Pediatrics: In children, conditions like atopic dermatitis require specialized treatment based on age.
- Psychology and Psychiatry: Chronic stress is often linked to worsening skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
At Aventino Medical Group, we adopt a multidisciplinary approach, integrating the expertise of different specialists to provide comprehensive and personalized care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about skin and cold weather
📌 Why does the skin become drier in winter?
Cold weather reduces sebum production, leading to a lack of lipids that help retain moisture. Additionally, indoor heating lowers humidity levels, increasing skin dehydration.
📌 Which areas are most affected by cold weather?
The most sensitive areas are the face, hands, and lips, as they are more exposed to environmental factors and have a thinner protective barrier.
📌 What ingredients should be in creams to protect the skin?
To keep the skin hydrated and protected, it is best to choose products containing hyaluronic acid, ceramides, shea butter, urea, and panthenol, which help restore the skin barrier and retain moisture.
📌 Can cold weather worsen skin conditions like dermatitis or psoriasis?
Yes, atopic dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis tend to worsen in winter due to skin dryness and a weakened protective barrier. Using emollient creams and adopting a suitable skincare routine is essential.
📌 Should sunscreen be used in winter?
Yes, UV rays can damage the skin even on cold or cloudy days, especially in the mountains or in snowy areas, where snow reflects up to 80% of sunlight.
📌 How can I prevent cracked hands and chapped lips?
It is essential to moisturize frequently with nourishing creams, wear gloves to protect hands, and apply lip balms rich in natural oils and butters to prevent dryness.
Conclusion: protecting your skin in winter for overall well-being
Cold weather presents challenges for skin health, but with proper hydration and protection, it is possible to prevent damage caused by low temperatures. Using emollient products, maintaining proper hydration, and protecting against sudden temperature changes are key strategies to prevent dryness, irritation, and chapping.
Taking care of your skin is not only about improving its appearance but also about preserving its protective barrier function against external agents and skin disorders. If symptoms persist or worsen, consulting a dermatologist is advisable to find the most suitable treatment.📌 Healthy skin is the first step to overall well-being: taking care of it in winter helps keep it elastic, protected, and radiant all year round.